How to Reduce the Risk of Choking in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Patients

Think about the last time you swallowed – you didn’t force yourself to do it – it just happened. Swallowing is a complex task that requires both voluntary and involuntary contractions to move food from the mouth to the stomach.

Alzheimer’s and Choking

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, the brain loses its ability to process certain commands (such as chewing and swallowing), increasing the risk of choking, pneumonia and even death. It’s important to remember that no matter how closely we watch our loved ones, the hazards of choking are always present.

The brain is made up of several parts, each with its own function. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are nearly 50 pairs of muscles and many nerves that work together to complete the swallowing process.

Late Stage Alzheimer’s Disease

When individuals move into the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, many of these functions are lost, causing difficulty with:

• Remembering how to use utensils
• Knowing how much food to put in their mouth at one time
• Eating too fast
• Eating inedible items such as foam cups and paper napkins
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing food properly.

15 Tips for Reducing the Risk of Choking in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Patients

All of these difficulties can lead to serious complications (choking, pneumonia, and death).

To decrease the risk of choking at home, follow and share the following tips with peers and family caregivers:

Tip #1. Monitor your patient or loved one closely during mealtime.

Tip #2. Cut foods into smaller pieces to avoid choking.

Tip #3. Consider serving finger foods that are easy to chew.

Tip #4. Try serving six smaller meals per day as opposed to three larger meals that may take more energy to consume.

Tip #5. If serving meat, remove the meat from the bone and remove any non-edible items from the plate.

Tip #6. Serve only one course at a time to limit distractions.

Tip #7. Keep your loved one or patient in an upright position for 30 minutes after any meal.

Tip #8. Make sure your loved one or patient is well rested before each meal. A well-rested person is less likely to have difficulty swallowing.

Tip #9. Limit distractions while eating by removing extra place settings, centerpieces, etc.

Tip #10. Stop using foam cups and paper napkins, which may be mistakenly eaten.

Tip #11. If necessary, assist your loved one in holding utensils properly and guide the utensil to their mouth.

Tip #12. If your loved one has difficulty swallowing solid foods, consider blending foods into a liquid state.

Tip #13. Avoid rushed or forced eating. Take your time and move slowly.

Tip #14. Be sure your loved one is well hydrated – offer fruits, soups, and smoothies.

Tip #15. Always be prepared in the case of an emergency, understanding what to do if your loved one begins to choke.

Contact Sonas for Home Care Services in Florida

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be overwhelming at times, and the team at Sonas Home Health Care is here to help. We refer loving and knowledgeable caregivers to provide expert Alzheimer’s care – from respite services to around-the-clock care. Give us a call at (888) 592-5855 or visit us online to Request a Free In-Home Assessment.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring home health care services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care today. (888) 592-5855.

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.